Sika deer, Purple Jade Riverside Resort, Beijing by 小于
Sika deer is called 梅花鹿 (Meihua Lu;lit. Plum blossom deer) in China because of its floral spotted coat. It is a symbol of longevity (in Taoism it’s an immortal beast), scholarship (Confucianism), and fortune (official’s salary related). In Buddhism, a deer also represents mercy and kindness.